With FEMA Cuts, Is There a New Disaster Relief Economy?
Flames come dangerously close to a house as the Pine Fire continues its march across the land. (David McNew via Getty Images)
The mandate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency has long been to help states and local governments meet the needs of communities after disaster strikes. But since the Trump Administration took office, the agency has been threatened with closure and has suffered massive budget and staff cuts, essentially crippling its ability to respond to catastrophic events. As natural disasters intensify as a result of climate change, who will step in to help our region recover if a huge wildfire or earthquake happens here? We discuss the impacts of a weakened FEMA, the growth of a private disaster relief industry, and talk through what it would take for FEMA to turn things around as an agency.
Guests:
- Scott Dance, climate adaptation correspondent, New York Times
- Jennifer Gray Thompson, founder and CEO, After the Fire USA
- Bryan Koon, President and CEO, IEM